Question

Part A:

Scientists believe that an asteroid impact caused the Cretaceous extinction event 66 million years ago. An impact crater off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is evidence for this theory. The asteroid hit Earth at a high velocity, which destroyed the surrounding area and sent a large amount of materials into the atmosphere, blocking sunlight globally. Which BEST describes how the asteroid impact caused this extinction event?


The initial impact destroyed all the species on Earth.


The initial impact did not destroy any of the species on Earth.


The initial impact destroyed only the species in the surrounding areas.


The initial impact destroyed nearby species and more were destroyed after.





Part B:

Which supports the choice from Part A?


The initial impact changed Earth's environment, leading to global extinctions.


The initial impact produced enough energy to destroy all the species on Earth.


The initial impact was not powerful enough to destroy any of the species on Earth.


The initial impact only changed the immediate environment, affecting nearby species.

Answer 1

Part A: The initial impact destroyed nearby species and more were destroyed after.

Part B: The initial impact changed Earth's environment, leading to global extinctions.

Explanation: The impact caused immediate local destruction, then threw dust and aerosols into the atmosphere that blocked sunlight, disrupted climate and food webs, and caused widespread (global) extinctions.